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FRONTISPIECE. 

Hymns for Infant Minds. 











HYMNS 


FOR INFANT MINDS. 


BY 

JANE TAYLOR. 


•AAAAA/WvAA^. 


NEW YORK: 

ROBERT CARTER & BROTHERS, 

285 BROADWAY. 


1857 . 





4-JPV 

I3Z.I 






CONTENTS. 

A Child’s Hymn of Praise. iage 3 

Coming to Jesus.,. 7 

About God, who made the Sun and Moon. 9 

ITor a Child who has been very Naughty. 13 

“ Our Father who art in Heaven’’. 16 

“ Early will I seek the Lord”. 18 

Encouragement for Little Children. 22 

The Bible. 24 

Against Wandering Thoughts. 26 

“A Contrite Heart, O God, thou wilt not Despise”. 28 

The Way to find out Pride. 31 

The Way to Cure Pride. 35 

A Morning Hymn. 40 

An Evening Hymn. 42 

For a Child that feels it has a Wicked Heart. 44 

Against Anger and Impatience. 47 

“ Turn off mine Eyes from beholding Vanity”. 49 

For a very Little Child. 52 

On attending Public Worship. 55 

A Child’s Humble Confession and Prayer. 57 

About Dying. 59 

“ Thou God. seest Me”. 62 

To a Little Sister, on her Birthday. 64 

Sin makes God Angry. 68 

“Jesus Christ came into the World to save Sinners”. 71 

“Jesus said, Suffer Little Children to come unto Me”. 75 

Love and Duty to Parents. 78 

The Day of Life. 80 

The Little Pilgrim. 82 

An Evening Hymn for a Little Family. 85 

A Child's Lamentation for the Death of a Dear Mother. 88 


































7 


4 CONTENTS. 

For Sabbath Evening. page 91 

Time and Eternity.-.. 93 

Against yielding to Temptation. 95 

The Day of Judgment. 97 

Conscience. 100 

*• The Lord hath Respect unto the Lowly”. 103 

For Children at a Sunday-School. 105 

A Minute. 107 

A Child’s Grave. 110 

A Child’s Prayer in Sickness. 113 

A Hymn of Praise for Recovery. 115 

For a very Little Child in Sickness. 117 

For a very Little Child, upon getting Well. US 

For a Dying Child. 119 

Praise for Daily Mercies.„. 121 

The Example of Christ. 123 

Summer and Winter. 126 

Love to Jesus. 129 

God Everywhere. 131 

“ Though he was Rich, yet for our Sakes he became Poor” .... 134 

For a Child that is Sorry for a Fault.-. 136 

Instruction from the Heavens. 138 

Children Encouraged to seek the Lord. 142 

Upon Life. 144 

Upon Death.. 147 

Against Selfishness. 150 

The Uncertainty of Life.. 153 

Humility... 155 

“ Set your Affections on Things Above”. 157 

For the Last Day of the Year. 159 

The Lily of the Valley. 163 

Samuel called by the Lord. 166 

On Learning the Bible. 169 

Brotherly Love. 172 

The Condescension of God. 174 

The Child of Affluence. 178 

The Child of Poverty. 180 

Praise to God. 183 

Heaven and Earth. 180 








































HYMNS FOR INFANT MINDS. 


A CHILD’S HYMN OF PRAISE. 

I thank the goodness and the grace, 
Which on my birth have smiled, 
And made me in these latter days, 

A happy Christian child. 

I was not born as thousands are, 
Where God was never known ; 
And taught to pray a useless prayer, 
To blocks of wood and stone. 


6 


HYMNS FOR 


I was not born a little slave, 

To labor in the sun, 

And wish I were but in the grave, 
And all my labor done. 


I was not born without a home, 
Or in some broken shed $ 

A gipsy baby, taught to roam, 
And steal my daily bread. 


My God, I thank thee, who hast planned 
A better lot for me, 

And placed me in this happy land, 

And where I hear of thee. 


INFANT MINDS. 


7 


COMING TO JESUS. 

Jesus, that condescending king, 

Is pleased to hear when children sing, 
And while our feeble voices rise, 

Will not the humble prayer despise. 

Then keep us, Lord, from every sin, 
Which we can see and feel within ; 
And what we neither feel nor see, 
Forgive, for all is known to thee. 


8 


HYMNS FOR 


Wc own there’s nothing good in us, 

To tempt thee to befriend us thus; 

For sin and folly waste our days, 

Our prayers are weak, and poor our praise. 

Yet, Lord, we humbly venture nigh, 
Because thou earnest down to die; 

And all the plea we dare to make, 

Is a pardon for thy mercy’s sake.” 


INFANT MINDS. 


9 


ABOUT GOD, WHO MADE THE SUN 
AND MOON. 

CHILD. 

I saw the glorious sun arise 
From yonder mountain gray \ 

And as he travelled through the skies, 

The darkness fled away ; 

And all around me was so bright, 

I wished it would be always light. 

But when his shining course was done, 
The gentle moon drew nigh,, 


10 


HYMNS FOR 


And stars came twinkling one by one, 
Upon the shady sky. 

Who made the sun to shine so far, 

The moon, and every twinkling star ? 

MAMMA. 

’Twas God, my child, who made them all, 
By his almighty hand ; 

He holds them that they do not fall, 

And bids them move or stand 5 
That glorious God who lives afar, 

In heaven beyond the highest star. 

CHILD. 

How very great that God must be, 

Who rolls them through the air! 


INFANT MINDS. 


11 


Too high, Mamma, to notice me, 

Or listen to my prayer ! 

I fear he will not condescend 
To be a little infant’s friend. 

MAMMA. 

O yes, my love ; for though he made 
Those wonders in the sky, 

You never need to be afraid 
He should neglect your cry; 

For humble as a child may be, 

A praying child he loves to see. 

Behold the daisy where you tread, 
That useless little thing; 


12 


HYMNS FOR 


Behold the insects overhead, 

That gambol in the spring; 

His goodness bids the daisy rise, 
And every insect’s wants supplies. 

And will he not descend to make 
A feeble child his care ? 

Yes; Jesus died for children’s sake, 
And loves the youngest prayer. 
God made the stars and daisies too, 
And watches over them and you. 


INFANT MINDS. 


13 


FOR A CHILD WHO HAS BEEN VERY 
NAUGHTY. 

Lord, I confess before thy face 
How naughty I have been; 

Look down from heaven, thy dwelling- 
place, 

And pardon this my sin. 

Forgive my temper, Lord, I pray, 

My passion and my pride $ 

The wicked words I dared to say, 

And wicked thoughts beside. 


14 


HYMNS FOR 


I can not lay me down to rest 
In quiet, on my bed, 

Until, with shame, I have confessed 
The naughty things I said. 


The Saviour answered not again, 
Nor spoke an angry word, 

To all the scoffs of wicked men, 
Although he was their Lord ! 


And who am I, a sinful child, 
Such angry words to say ! 
Make me as mild as he was mild, 
And take my pride away. 


INFANT MINDS. 


15 


For Jesus’ sake forgive my crime, 
And change this stubborn heart $ 
And grant me grace, another time, 
To act a better part. 




10 


HYMNS FOR 


“ OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN.” 

Great God, and wilt thou condescend 
To be my fatherland my friend ? 

I, a poor child, and thou so high, 

The Lord of earth, and air, and sky! 

Art thou my Father ? Canst thou bear 
To hear my poor imperfect prayer? 

Or stoop to listen to the praise 
That such a little one can raise ? 


INFANT MINDS. 


17 


Art thou my Father ? Let me be 
A meek, obedient child to thee: 

And try, in word, and deed, and thought, 
To serve and please thee as I ought 

Art thou my Father ? I’ll depend 
Upon the care of such a friend; 

And only wish to do, and be, 

Whatever seemeth good to thee. 

Art thou my Father ? Then at Iasi, 
When all my days on earth are past, 
Send down, and take me in thy love, 

To be thy better child above. 


2 


18 


HYMNS FOR 


“EARLY WILL I SEEK THE LORD.” 

Now that my journey ’s just begun, 

My road so little trod, 

I ’ll come before I further run, 

And give myself to God. 

And, lest I should be ever led 
Through sinful paths to stray, 

I would at once begin to tread 
In wisdom’s pleasant way. 


INFANT MINDS. 


19 


What sorrows may my steps attend, 
I never can foretell $ 

Bat if the Lord will be my friend, 

I know that all is well. 


If all my earthly friends should die, 
And leave me mourning here, 
Since God can hear the orphan’s cry, 
O what have I to fear ? 


If I am poor, he can supply 
Who lias my table spread; 

Who feeds the ravens when they cry, 
And fills his poor with bread. 


20 


HYMNS FOR 


If I am rich, he’ll guard my heart, 
Temptation to withstand \ 

And make me willing to impart 
The bounties of his hand. 


But Lord, whatever grief or ill 
For me may be in store, 
Make me submissive to thy will, 
And I would ask no more. 


Attend me through my youthful way, 
Whatever be my lot 5 
And when I’m feeble, old, and gray, 
O Lord, forsake me not 


INFANT MINDS. 


21 


Then still as seasons hasten by, 

I will for heaven prepare ; 

That God may take me when I die, 
To dwell for ever there. 









22 


HYMNS FOR 


ENCOURAGEMENT FOR LITTLE CHILDREN 

God is so good that he will hear 
Whenever children humbly pray ; 

He always lends a gracious ear 

To what the youngest child can say. 

His own most holy Book declares 
He loves good little children still ; 

And that he listens to their prayers, 

Just as a tender father will. 


INFANT MINDS* 


23 


He loves to hear an infant tongue 
Thank him for all his mercies given , 
And when by babes his praise is sung, 
Their cheerful songs are heard in heaven. 

Come, then, dear children, trust his word, 
And seek him for your friend and guide; 
Your little voices will be heard, 

And you shall pever be denied. 



24 


HYMNS FOR 


THE BIBLE. 

This is a precious book indeed 5 
Happy the child that loves to read ! 

’Tis God’s own word, which he has given, 
To show our souls the way to heaven. 


It tells us how the world was made, 
And how good men the Lord obeyed$ 
There his commands are written too, 
To teach us what we ought to do. 


INFANT MINDS. 


25 


It bids us all from sin to fly, 

Because our souls can never die ; 

It points to heaven, where angels dwell, 
And warns us to escape from hell. 

But, what is more than all beside, 

The Bible tells us Jesus died ! 

This is its best, its chief intent, 

To lead poor sinners to repent. 

Be thankful, children, that you may 
Read this good Bible every day: 

’Tis God’s own word, which he has given, 
To show your souls the way to heaven. 


26 


IIYMNS FOR 


AGAINST WANDERING THOUGHTS. 

When daily I kneel down to pray, 

As I am taught to do, 

God does not care for what I say, 
Unless I feel it too. 

Yet foolish thoughts my heart beguile, 
And when I pray or sing, 

I’m often thinking all the while, 

About some other thing. 


INFANT MINDS. 


27 


Some idle play, or childish toy, 

Can send my thoughts abroad ; 
Though this should be my greatest joy, 
To love and seek the Lord. 


Oh, let me never, never dare 
To act the trifler’s part; 

Or think that God will hear a prayer 
That comes not from my heart! 


But if I make his ways my choice, 

As holy children do, 

Then, while I seek him with my voice, 
My heart will love him too. 


28 


HYMNS FOR 




“A CONTRITE HEART, O GOD, THOU 
WILT NOT DESPISE.’* 

Though God preserves me every hour, 
And feeds me day by day, 

I know it is not in my power 
His goodness to repay. 

The poorest child, the greatest king, 

Alike must humbly own, 

No worthy present they can bring 
To offer at his throne. 


INFANT MINDS. 


29 


For we, and all our treasures too, 
Are his who reigns above; 
Then is there nothing I can do, 
To prove my grateful love ? 


A broken heart he ’ll not despise, 
For’t is his chief delight; 

This is an humble sacrifice, 
Well-pleasing in his sight. 


Though treasures brought before the throne 
Would no acceptance find, 

He kindly condescends to own 
A meek and lowly mind. 


30 


HYMNS FOR 


This is an offering we may bring, 
However mean our store $ 

The poorest child, the greatest king, 
Can give him nothing more. 



INFANT MINDS. 


31 


THE WAY TO FIND OUT PRIDE. 

Pride, ugly pride, sometimes is seen 
By haughty looks, and lofty mien; 

But oftener it is found, that pride 
Loves deep within the heart to hide; 
And while the looks are mild and fair. 
It sits and does its mischief there. 

Now, if you really wish to find 
If pride is lurking in your mind, 
Inquire if you can bear a slight, 

Or patiently give up your right. 


32 


HYMNS FOR 


Can you submissively consent 
To lake reproof and punishment, 

And feel no angry temper start, 

In any corner of your heart ? 

Can you with frankness own a crime. 
And promise for another time ? 

Or say you Ve been in a mistake, 

Nor try some poor excuse to make, 

But freely own that it was wrong 
To argue for your side so long ? 

Flat contradiction can you bear, 

When you are right, and know you are 
Nor flatly contradict again, 

But wait, or modestly explain, 

And tell your reasons, one by one, 


INFANT MINDS. 


33 


Nor think of triumph when }ou’ve done 1 
Can you in business, or in play, 

Give up your wishes, or your way ? 

Or do a thing against your will, 

For somebody that’s younger still ? 

And never try to overbear, 

Or say a word that is not fair ? 

Does laughing at you in a joke, 

No anger, nor revenge provoke 5 
But can you laugh yourself and be 
As merry as the company ? 

Or when you find that you could do 
To them as they have done to you, 

Can you keep down the wicked thought, 

And do exactly as you ought ? 

3 


34 


HYMNS I'OU 


Put all these questions to your heart, 

And make it act an honest part; 

And, when they’ve each been fairly tried, 

1 think you ’ll own that you have pride; 
Some one will suit you as you go, 

And force your heart to tell you so; 

But if they all should be denied, 

Then you ’re too proud to own your pride! 


INFANT MINDS. 


35 


THE WAY TO CURE PRIDE. 

Now [ suppose, that having tried, 

And found the secret of your pride, 

You wish to drive it from your heart, 

And learn to act an humble part. 

Well, are you sorry and sincere ? 

I ’ll try to help you then, my dear. 

And first, the best and surest way, 

Is to kneel down at once, and pray $ 

The lowly Saviour will attend, 

And strengthen you, and stand your friend. 


36 


HYMNS FOR 


Tell him the mischief that you find 
For ever working in your mind; 

And beg his pardon for the past, 

And strength to overcome at last. 

But then, you must not go your way, 
And think it quite enough to pray; 
That is but doing half your task; 

For you must watch as well as ask . 
You pray for strength, and that is right 
But then it must be strength to fight; 
For where’s the use of being strong, 
Unless you conquer what is wrong ? 
Then look within; ask every thought, 
If it be humble as it ought. 

Put out the smallest spark of pride, 


INFANT MINDS. 


37 


The very moment ’t is descried ; 

And do not stay to think it o’er, 

For while you wait it blazes more. 

If it should take you by surprise, 

And beg you just to let it rise, 

And promise not to keep you long, 

Say, a No $ the smallest pride is wrong.” 
And when there’s something so amiss, 
That pride says, w Take offence at this 
Then if you feel at all inclined 
To brood upon it in your mind. 

And think revengeful thoughts within, 
And wish it were not wrong to sin, 

O stop at once ; for if you dare 
To wish for sin, that sin is there. 


38 


HYMNS FOR 


’T will then be best to go and pray 
That God would take your pride away $ 
Or if just then you can not go, 

Fray in your thoughts, and God will know 

And beg his mercy to impart 

The best of gifts — an humble heart. 

Remember, too, that you must pray, 
And watch, and labor, every day 5 
Nor think it wearisome or hard 
To be for ever on your guard : 

No: every morning must begin 
With resolutions not to sin, 

And every evening recollect 

How much you ? ve failed in this respect. 

Ask, whether such a guilty heart 


INFANT MINDS. 


39 


Should act a proud, or humble part; 
Or, as the Saviour was so mild, 

Inquire if pride becomes a child; 

And, when all other means arc tried, 
Be humble, that you Ve so much pride. 





40 


HYMNS FOIt 


A MORNING HYMN. 

My Father I thank thee for sleep, 

For quiet and peaceable rest; 

I thank thee for stooping to keep 
An infant from being distressed \ 

O how can a poor little creature repay 
Thy fatherly kindness by night and by da^ ! 

My voice would be lisping thy praise, 

My heart would repay thee with love $ 


INFANT BIINDS. 


41 


O teach me to walk in thy ways, 

And fit me to see thee above 5 
For Jesus said, “ Let little children come 
nigh 

And he ’ll not despise such an infant as I. 

As long as thou seest it right, 

That here upon earth I should stay, 

I pray thee to guard me by night, 

And help me to serve thee by day 5 
That when all the days of my life shall 
have passed, 

I may worship thee better, in heaven, at 
last. 


42 


HYMNS FOlt 


* 


AN EVENING HYMN. 

Lord, I have passed another day, 

And come to thank thee for thy care; 
Forgive my faults in work and play, 

And listen to my evening prayer. 

Thy favor gives me daily bread, 

And friends who all my wants supply; 
And safely now I rest my head, 
Preserved and guarded by thine eye. 


INFANT MINDS. 


43 


Look down in pity, and forgive 
Whatever I’ve said or done amiss; 
And help me, every day I live, 

To serve thee better than in this. 

Now, while I sleep, be pleased to take 
A helpless child beneath thy care; 
And condescend, for Jesus’ sake, 

To listen to my evening prayer. 



44 


HYMNS TOR 


FOR A CHILD THAT FEELS IT HAS 
A WICKED HEART. 

What is there, Lord, a child can do, 
Who feels with guilt oppressed ? 

There’s evil, that I never knew 
Before, within my breast. 

My thoughts are vain; my heart is hard ; 

My temper apt to rise; 

And, when I seem upon my guard, 

It takes me by surprise. 


INFANT MINDS. 


45 


Whene’er to thy commands 1 turn, 

I find I’ve broken them $ 

And in thy holy Scriptures learn, 

That God will sin condemn. 

And yet, if I begin to pray, 

And lift my feeble cry, 

Some thought of folly, or of play, 
Prevents me when I try. 

On many Sabbaths, though I’ve heard 
Of Jesus and of heaven, 

I’ve scarcely listened to thy word, 

Or prayed to be forgiven. 


46 


HYMNS FOR 


O look with pity in thine eye 
Upon a heart so hard! 

Thou wilt not slight a feeble cry, 

Or show it no regard. 

The work I can not undertake 
I leave to thee alone; 

And pray thee, for thy mercy’s sake, 
To change this heart of stone. 



INFANT MINDS. 


47 


AGAINST ANGER AND IMPATIENCE, 

When for some little insult given, 

My angry passions rise, 

I ’ll think how Jesus came from heaven, 
And bore his injuries. 

He was insulted every day, 

Though all his words were kind ; 

But nothing men could do or say 
Disturbed his heavenly mind. 


48 


HYMNS FOR 


Not all the wicked scoffs lie heard 
Against the truths he taught, 
Excited one reviling word, 

Or one revengeful thought. 


And when upon the cross he bled, 
With all his foes in view 5 
u Father, forgive their sins,” he said, 
w They know not what they do.” 


Dear Jesus, may I learn of thee 
My temper to amend ; 

But speak that pardoning word for me, 
Whenever I offend. 


INFANT MINDS. 


10 


“ TURN OFF MINE EYES FROM BE¬ 
HOLDING VANITY.” 

Lord, hear a sinful child complain, 

Whose little heart is very vain, 

And folly dwells within 5 
What is it, for thine eye can see, 

That is so very dear to me ? 

That steals my thoughts away from thee 
And leads me into sin ? 


4 


50 


IIYIVmS FOR 


Whatever gives me most delight, 

If’t is offensive in thy sight, 

I would no more pursue $ 

Since nothing can be good for me, 
However pleasant it may be, 

That is displeasing, Lord, to thee, 
May I dislike it too. 

When I attempt to read or pray, 
Some folly leads my heart astray, 
And sends my thoughts abroad 5 
How happy are the saints in bliss, 
Who love no sinful world like this, 
But all their joy and glory is, 

To serve and praise the Lord ! 


INFANT MINDS. 


51 


These trifling pleasures here below, 
I wonder why I love them so; 

They can not make me blest: 

O that to love my God might be 
The greatest happiness to me! 

And may he give me grace to see 
That this is not my rest. 





52 


HYMNS FOR 


FOR A VERY LITTLE CHILD. 

O that it were my chief delight 
To do the things I ought! 

Then let me try with all my might 
To mind what I am taught. 


Wherever I am told to go, 

I ’ll cheerfully obey $ 

Nor will I mind it much, although 
I leave a pretty play. 


INFANT MINDS. 


53 


When I am bid, I ’ll freely bring 
Whatever I have got; 

And never touch a pretty thing, 
If mother tells me not. 


When she permits me, I may tell 
About my little toys 5 
But if she 5 s busy, or unwell, 

I must not make a noise. 


And when I learn my hymns to say, 
And work, and read, and spell, 

I will not think about my play, 

But try and do it well: 


54 


HYMNS FOR 


For God looks down from heaven on high, 
Our actions to behold ; 

And he is pleased when children try 
To do as they are told. 



INFANT MINDS. 


55 


ON ATTENDING PUBLIC WORSHIP. 

When to the house of God we go, 

To hear his word and sing his love, 
We ought to worship him below, 

Like all the saints in heaven above. 

They stand before his presence now, 
And praise him better far than we, 
Who only at his footstool bow, 

And love him though we can not see. 


56 


HYMNS FOR 


But God is present everywhere, 

And watches all our thoughts and ways 
He sees who humbly join in prayer, 

And who sincerely sing his praise. 


And he the triflers too can see, 

Who only seem to take a part; 
They move the lip, and bend the knee, 
But do not seek him with the heart. 


O may we never trifle so, 

Nor lose the days our God has given; 
But learn, by sabbaths here below, 

To spend eternity in heaven. 


INFANT MINDS. 


57 


A CHILD’S HUMBLE CONFESSION AND 
PRAYER. 

A sinner, Lord, behold I stand, 

In thought, and word, and deed; 

But Jesus sits at thy right hand, 

For such to intercede. 

From early infancy, I know, 

A rebel I have been; 

And daily, as I older grow, 

I fear I grow in sin ; 


58 


HYMNS FOR 


But God can change this evil heart, 
And give a holy mind, 

And his own heavenly grace impart, 
Which those who seek shall find. 


To heaven can reach the softest word, 
A child’s repenting prayer 5 
For tears are seen, and sighs are heard, 
And thoughts regarded there. 


Then let me all my sins confess, 
And pardoning grace implore 5 
That I may love my follies less, 
And fove my Saviour more 


INFANT MINDS. 


59 


ABOUT DYING. 

CHILD. 

Tell me, mamma, if I must die, 

One day, as little baby died; 

And look so very pale, and lie 

Down in the graveyard, by its side ? 

Shall 1 leave dear papa and you, 

And never see you any more ? 

Tell me, mamma, if this is true ; 

I did not know it was before. 


60 


HYMNS FOR 


MAMMA. 

? T is true, my love, that you must die$ 

The God who made you, says you must, 

And every one of us shall lie, 

Like the dear baby, in the dust. 

These hands, and feet, and busy head, 
Shall waste and crumble quite away ; 

But though your body shall be dead, 

There is a part which can’t decay: 

That which now thinks within your heart, 
And makes you ask if you must die $ 

That is your soul — the better part, 

Which God has made to live on high. 


INFANT MINDS. 


61 


Those who have loved him here below, 
And prayed to have their sins forgiven, 

And done his holy will, shall go 
Like happy angels, up to heaven. 

So, while their bodies moulder here, 

Their souls with God himself shall dwell, 

But always recollect, my dear, 

That wicked people go to hell. 

There the good God shall never smile, 

Nor give them one reviling look; 

For since they chose to be so vile, 

He leaves them to the way they took. 


62 


HYMNS FOR 


“ THOU GOD SEEST ME.” 

Among the deepest shades of night. 
Can there be one who sees my way 
Yes 5 Cod is like a shining light, 

That turns the darkness into day. 

$ 

When every eye around me sleeps, 
May I not sin without control ? 

No 5 for a constant watch he keeps, 
On every thought of every souk 


INFANT MINDS. 


63 


If I could find some cave unknown, 
Where human feet had never trod, 
Yet there I could not be alone ; 

On every side there would be God. 


He smiles in heaven 5 he frowns to hell: 

He fills the air, the earth, the sea ; 

I must within his presence dwell; 

I can not from his anger flee. 


Yet I may flee, he shows me where 5 
Tells me to Jesus Christ to fly; 
And while he sees me weeping there. 
There 5 s only mercy in his eye. 


64 


IIYMNS FOR 


TO A LITTLE SISTER, ON HER BIRTHDAY, 

My love, I meet this happy day 
With pleasure, and with pain 3 
I wish to learn your future way, 

But know the wish is vain. 

A journey which can never end, 

You have but just begun 3 
And hand in hand with many a friend 
This little way have run 3 


INFANT MINDS. 


65 


But friends, my love, how vain are they! 

For one infected breath 
May snatch the tenderest away, 

And seal them up with death. 


Then whither should my darling fly ? 

In whom may she confide ? 

There is a friend above the sky, 

Who waits to be her guide. 


His eye the path of life can see, 
And has as clear a view 
Of hills and valleys yet to be, 

As what are past, to you. 

5 


66 


HYMNS FOR 


He knows the point, the very spot, 
Where each of us shall fall; 

And whose shall be the earliest lot, 
And whose the last of all. 


Dear cherished child, if you should have 
To travel far alone, 

And weep by turns at many a grave, 
Before you reach your own, 


May he, who bade you weep, be nigh 
To wipe away your tears, 

And point you to a world on high, 
Beyond these mournful years 1 


INFANT MINDS. 


67 


Yet, if it be his holy will 
I pray that, hand in hand, 

We all may travel many a hill 
Of this the pilgrim’s land; 

With Zion’s shining gate in view, 
Through every danger rise, 
And form a family anew, 
Unbroken, in the skies. 


68 


HYMNS FOR 


SIN MAKES GOD ANGRY. 

How kind, in all his works and ways. 
Must our Creator be ! 

I learn a lesson of his praise 
From everything I see. 

• 

Ten thousand creatures by his hand 
Were brought to life at first; 

His skill their different natures planned, 
And made them from the dust. 


INFANT MINDS. 


69 


He condescends to do them good, 
And pities when they cry ; 

For all their wants are understood 
By his attentive eye. 

And can so kind a Father frown ? 

Will he who stoops to care 
For little sparrows falling down, 
Despise an infant’s prayer ? 


No5 he regards the feeblest cry; 

’T is only when we sin, 

He puts the smile of mercy by, 
And lets his frown begin. 


70 


HYMNS FOR 


’Tis sin that grieves his holy mind, 
And makes his anger rise ; 

And sinners, old or young, shall find, 
No favor in his eyes: 

But when the broken spirit burns, 
And would from sin depart, 

The God of mercy never spurns 
That broken, humble heart. 



INFANT MINDS. 


71 


“ ESUS CHRIST CAME INTO THE 
WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS. 

Lo, at noon ? t is sudden night! 

Darkness covers all the day! 

Rocks are rending at the sight! 

Children can you tell me why ? 
What can all these wonders be ? 
Jesus dies on Calvary! 

Stretched upon the cross, behold 
How his tender limbs are torn! 


72 


HYMNS FOR 


For a royal crown of gold, 

They have made him one of thorn! 
Cruel hands, that dare to bind 
Thorns upon a brow so kind! 


See, the blood is falling fast 

From his forehead and his side; 
Listen, he has breathed his last: 

With a mighty groan he died ! 
Children, can you tell me why 
Jesus condescends to die ? 


He, who was a king above, 

Left his kingdom for a grave, 


INFANT MINDS. 


73 


Out of pity and of love, 

That the guilty he might save! 
Down to this sad world he flew, 
For such little ones as you! 


You were wretched, weak, and vile; 

You deserved his holy frown $ 

But he saw you with a smile, 

And, to save you, hastened down, 
Listen, children ; this is why 
Jesus condescends to die. 


Come then, children, come and see; 
Lift your little hands to pray; 


74 


HYMNS FOR 


a Blefssed Jesus, pardon me. 

Help a guilty infant,” say $ 
tt Since it was for such as I, 

Thou didst condescend to die.” 



INFANT MINDS. 


75 


“ JESUS SAID, SUFFER LITTLE CHIL¬ 
DREN TO COME UNTO ME” 

As infants once to Christ were brought, 
That he might bless them there, 

So now we little children ought 
To seek the same by prayer. 

For when their feeble hands were spread, 
And bent each infant knee, 
u Forbid them not,” the Saviour said, 

And so he says of me. 


76 


HYMNS FOR 


Though now he is not here below. 

But on his heavenly hill, 

To him may little children go, 
And seek a blessing still. 


Well pleased that little flock to see, 
The Saviour kindly smiled ; 

Oh, then he will not frown on me, 
Because 1 am a child : 


For as, so many years ago, 
Poor babes his pity drew, 

I’m sure he will not let me go 
Without a blessing too. 


INFANT MINDS. 


77 


Then, while this favor to implore, 
My little hands are spread, 

Do thou thy sacred blessing pour, 
Dear Jesus, on my head. 



78 


HYMNS FOR 


LOVE AND DUTY TO PARENTS. 

My father, my mother, I know 
I can not your kindness repay 3 
But I hope, that, as older I grow, 

I shall learn your commands to obey. 

You loved me before I could tell 
Who it was that so tenderly smiled3 
But now that I know it so well, 

I should be a dutiful child. 


INFANT MINDS. 


79 


rry that ever I should 
lughty, and give you a pain; 
But I hope I shall learn to be good, 
And so never grieve you again. 

But, for fear that I ever should dare 
From all your commands to depart, 
Whenever I ’m saying my prayer, 

I ’ll ask for a dutiful heart. 



80 


HYMNS FOR 


THE DAY OF LIFE. 

The morning hours of cheerful light, 
Of all the day are best $ 

But as they speed their hasty flight, 
If every hour is spent aright, 

We sweetly sink to sleep at night, 
And pleasant is our rest. 

And life is like a summer’s day, 

It seems so quickly past; 


INFANT MINDS. 8 

Youth, is the morning, bright and gay, 
And if’t is spent in wisdom’s way, 

We meet old age without dismay, 

And death is sweet at last. 


82 


IIY3INS FOR 


THE LIT TEE PILGRIM 

There is a path that leads to God, 

All others go astray $ 

Narrow, but pleasant, is the road, 

And Christians love the way. 

It leads straight through this world of sin, 
And dangers must be past $ 

But those who boldly walk therein, 

Will come to heaven at last. 


INFANT MINDS. 


83 


How shall an infant pilgrim dare 
This dangerous path to tread! 
For on the way is many a snare 
For youthful travellers spread: 


While the broad road, where thousands go, 
Lies near, and opens fair, 

And many turn aside, I know, 

To walk with sinners there. 

But, lest my feeble steps should slide, 

Or wander from my way, 

Lord condescend to be my guide, 

And I shall never stray. 


84 


HYMNS FOR 


Then I may go without alarm, 

And trust his word of old $ 

“ The lambs he ’ll gather with his arm, 
And lead them to the fold.” 


Tli us I may safely venture through, 
Beneath my Shepherd’s care ; 

And keep the gate of heaven in view, 
Till I shall enter there. 



INFANT MINDS. 


85 


AN EVENING HYMN FOR A LITTLE 
FAMILY. 

Now condescend, Almighty King, 

To bless this little throng; 

And kindly listen, while we sing 
Our pleasant evening song. 

We come to own the power divine 
That watches o’er our days; 

For this our feeble voices join 
In hymns of cheerful praise. 


86 


HYMNS FOR 


Before the sacred footstool see 
We bend in humble prayer, 
A happy little family, 

To ask thy tender care. 


May we in safety sleep to-night, 
From every danger free ; 
Because the darkness and the light 
Are both alike to thee. 


And when the rising sun displays 
His cheerful beams abroad, 

Then shall our morning hymn of praise 
Declare thy goodness, Lord. 


INFANT MINDS. 


87 


Brothers and sisters, hand in hand, 
Our lips together move 5 
Then smile upon this little band, 
And join our hearts in love. 



88 


HYMNS FOR 


A CHILD’S LAMENTATION FOR THE 
DEATH OF A DEAR MOTHER. 

A poor afflicted child, I kneel 
Before my heavenly Father’s seat, 

To tell him all the grief I feel, 

And spread my sorrows at his feet 

Yet I must weep , I can not stay 
These tears that trickle while I bend. 
Since thou art pleased to take away 
So dear, so very dear a friend. 


INFANT MINDS. 


89 


And now I recollect with pain 

The many times I grieved her sore; 
Oh, if she would but come again, 

I think I’d vex her so no more. 


How I would watch her gentle eye! 

5 T would be my joy to do her will 5 
And she should never have to sigh 
Again for my behaving ill. 


But since she’s gone so far away, 
And can not profit by my pains, 
Let me this childlike duty pay 
To that dear parent who remains: 


90 


HYMNS FOR 


Let me console his broken heart, 
And be his comfort, by my care; 
Then when at last we come to part, 
I may not have such grief to bean 



INFANT MINDS. 


91 


FOR SABBATH EVENING. 

We’ve passed another Sabbath-day. 

And heard of Jesus and of heaven; 

We thank thee for thy word, and pray 
That this day’s sins may be forgiven 

Forgive our inattention, Lord, 

Our looks and thoughts that went astray \ 
Forgive our carelessness abroad; 

At home, our idleness and play. 


92 


HYMNS FOR 


May all we heard and understood 

Be well remembered through the week, 
And help to make us wise and good, 
More humble, diligent, and meek. 


Bless our good minister, we pray, 
Who loves to see a child attend, 
And let us honor and obey 

The words of such a faithful friend. 


So when our lives are finished here, 
And days and Sabbaths shall be o’er, 
May w r e along with him appear, 

To serve and love thee evermore. 


INFANT MINDS. 


93 


TIME AJSD ETERNITY. 

How long, sometimes, a day appears $ 
And weeks how long are they! 
Months move as slow as if the years 
Would never pass away. 

It seems a long, long time ago. 

That I was taught to read; 

And since I was a babe, I know 
5 T is very long indeed. 


94 


HYMNS FOR 


But even years are passing by, 

And soon must all be gone ; 

For day by day, as minutes fly, 

Eternity comes on. 

Days, months, and years, must have an end 
Eternity has none ; 

’T will always have as long to spend, 

As when it first begun. 

Great God an infant can not tell 
How such a thing can be 5 

I only pray that I may dwell 
That long, long time with thee. 


INFANT MINDS. 


95 


AGAINST YIELDING TO TEMPTATION. 

My love, you have met with a trial to-day, 
Which I hoped to have seen you oppose; 
But, alas, in a moment your temper gave 
way, 

And the pride of your bosom arose. 

I saw the temptation, and trembled, for fear 
Your good resolutions should fall; 

And soon, by your eye, and your color, my 
dear, 

I found you had broken them all. 


96 


HYMNS FOR 


O, why did you suffer this troublesome sin 
To rise in your bosom again ? 

And when you perceived it already within, 
O why did you let it remain ? 

As soon as temptation is put in your way, 
And passion is ready to start, 

’Tis then you must try to subdue it, and pray 
For courage to bid it depart. 

But now you can only with sorrow implore 
That Jesus would pardon your sin, 
Would help you to watch for your enemy 
more, 

And put a new temper within. 


INFANT MINDS. 


97 


THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. 

How dreadful, Lord, will be the day, 
When all the tribes of dead shall rise; 
And those who dared to disobey, 

Be brought before thine angry eyes! 

The wicked child, who often heard 
His pious parents speak of thee, 

And fled from every serious word, 

Shall not be able then to flee. 

7 


98 


IIYMNS FOlt 


No j he shall see them hurst the tomb, 
And rise, and leave him trembling there 
To hear his everlasting doom, 

With shame, and terror, and despair. 


While they appear at thy right hand, 
With saints and angels round the throne 
He, a poor guilty wretch, shall stand, 

And bear thy dreadful wrath alone! 


No parent, then, shall bid him pray 
To Him who now the sinner hears; 
For Christ himself shall turn away, 
And show no pity to his tears. 


INFANT MINDS. 


99 


Great God, I tremble at the thought, 
And at thy feet for mercy bend $ 

That when to judgment 1 am brought, 
The Judge himself may be my friend. 


100 


HYMNS FOR 


CONSCIENCE. 

When a foolish thought within 
Tries to take us in a snare, 
Conscience tells us u It is sin,” 

And entreats us to beware. 

If in something we transgress, 

And are tempted to deny, 
Conscience says, “ Your fault confess 
Do not dare to tell a lie.” 


INFANT MINDS. 


101 


In the morning when we rise, 

And would fain omit to pray, 

“ Child, consider,” Conscience cries : 
“ Should not God be sought to-day 


When, within his holy walls, 

Far abroad our thoughts we send. 
Conscience often loudly calls, 

And entreats us to attend. 


When our angry passions rise, 
Tempting to revenge an ill, 

“Now subdue it,” Conscience cries: 
“ Do command your temper still.” 


102 


HYMNS FOR 


Thus, without our will or choice, 
This good monitor within, 

With a secret gentle voice, 

Warns us to beware of sin. 

But if we should disregard, 

While this friendly voice doth call, 
Conscience soon will grow so hard, 
That it will not speak at all. 




INFANT MINDS. 


103 


“THE LORD HATH RESPECT UNTO 
THE LOWLY.” 

Where is the high and lofty One ? 

His dwelling is afar $ 

He lives beyond the blazing sun, 

And every distant star. 

Bat God, whom thousand worlds obey, 
Descends to earthly ground, 

And dwells in cottages of clay, 

If there his saints are found. 


104 


HYMNS FOR 


Is not the heaven of heavens his own ? 

Yes, he is Lord of all 5 
And there before his awful throne, 

The saints and angels fall. 

But little child, with joy attend 3 
For if you love him too, 

This mighty God will condescend 
To come and dwell with you. 


INFANT MINDS. 


105 


FOR CHILDREN AT A SUNDAY-SCHOOL. 

Lord, may a few poor children raise 
To thee a hymn of humble praise ? 

5 T is by thy great compassion we 
Are taught to love and worship thee. 

What wicked children we have been! 
Alas, how soon we learned to sin! 

But now we learn to read and pray, 
And not to break the Sabbath-day. 


106 


HYMNS FOR 


How condescending God must be, 
To love such little ones as we! 

He saw our sin with angry frown, 
And yet he looked with pity down. 


O if we should again begin 
To grieve our God, and turn to sin, 
And let our guilty passions loose, 
We now shall be without excuse. 


Remember, Lord, we are but dust, 
’T is to thy grace alone we trust ; 
Do thou instruct and guide us still, 
That we may ne’er forget thy will. 


INFANT MINDS. 


107 


A MINUTE. 

A minute, how soon it is flown ! 

And yet how important it is ! 

God calls every moment his own, 

For all our existence is his $ 

And though we may waste them in folly 
and play, 

He notices each that we squander away. 

Why should we a minute despise, 

Because it so quickly is o’er ? 


108 


HYMNS FOR 


We know that it rapidly flies, 

And therefore should prize it the more; 
Another, indeed, may appear in its stead, 
But that precious minute for ever is fled. 

’T is easy to squander our years 
In idleness, folly, and strife; 

But O, no repentance or tears 

Can bring back one moment of life; 

But time, if well spent, and improved as it 
goes, 

Will render life pleasant, and peaceful its 
close. 

And when all the minutes are past, 

Which God for our portion has given, 


INFANT MINDS. 


100 


We shall cheerfully welcome the last, 

If it safely conduct us to heaven. 

And O, may we all the necessity see, 

Not knowing how near our last minute 
may be ! 



no 


HYMNS FOR 


A CHILD’S GRAVE. 

What is this little grassy mound, 
Where pretty daisies bloom ? 
What is there lying under ground 
It is an infant’s tomb. 

Alas, poor baby, did it die ? 

How dismal that must be! 

To bid this pretty world good-by, 
Seems very sad to me. 



Hymns for Infant Minds. # ]» 110 



















































•I 


fts 




INFANT MINDS. 


11 


Silence, my child $ for could we hear 
This happy baby’s voice, 

We should not drop another tear, 
But triumph and rejoice. 


“ O do not ever weep for me,” 

The happy soul would say 5 
“Nor grieve, dear child, that I am free 
From that poor sleeping clay. 


“ Mourn not because my feeble breath 
Was stopped as soon as given : 
There’s nothing terrible in death 
To those who come to heaven. 


112 


HYMNS FOR 


u No sin, no sorrow, no complaints, 
My pleasures here destroy \ 

I live with God and all his saints, 
And endless is our joy. 

w While, with the spirits of the just. 
My Saviour I adore, 

1 smile upon my sleeping dust, 

That now can weep no more.” 














































































































































































































—• 






































































































































INFANT MINDS. 


113 


A CHILD’S PRAYER IN SICKNESS. 

Since, mighty God, my health and ease, 
And life belong to thee, 

I might not murmur, shouldst thou please 
To take them all from me. 

Thou hast a right to use thy rod, 

Which I should meekly bear; 

And yet I may entreat that God 

A sinful child would spare. 

8 


114 


HYMNS FOR 


I own the comforts I possess, 

And thank thy care of me, 

While thousands languish in distress, 
And pine in poverty. 

Yet look in pity on my pain; 

My little strength restore ; 

And grant me life and health again, 
To serve thee evermore. 


INFANT MINDS. 


115 


A HYMN OF PRAISE FOR RECOVERY. 

Lord, thou hast heard my humble voice, 
For all my pains depart; 

O grant that I may now rejoice 
With thankfulness of heart. 

Many have died as young as I, 

Though nursed with equal care; 

But God in pity heard my cry, 

And has been pleased to spare. 


116 


HYMNS FOR 


Let me improve the years or days 
Thy mercy lends me here $ 

And show my gratitude and praise, 
By living in thy fear. 


The kindness that my friends have shown, 
O teach me to repay, 

By double kindness of my own, 

In every future day. 

And, lest I need thy rod again, 

I pray thee to impart, 

As long as health and life remain, 

A thankful, humble heart. 


INFANT MINDS. 


117 


FOR A VERY LITTLE CHILD IN 
SICKNESS. 

Almighty God, I -m very ill, 

Bat cure me if it be thy will ; 

For thou canst take away my pain, 

And make me strong and well again. 

Let me be patient every day, 

And mind what those who nurse me say; 
And grant that all I have to take, 

May do me good for Jesus’ sake. 


118 


HYMNS FOR 


FOR A VERY LITTLE CHILD, UPON 
GETTING WELL. 

I thank the Lord, who lives on high 5 
He heard an infant pray, 

And cured me, that I should not die, 

And took my pains away. 

O let me thank and love thee too, 

As long as I shall live 5 
And every naughty thing I do, 

I pray thee to forgive. 


INFANT MINDS. 


119 


FOR A DYING CHILD. 

My heavenly Father, I confess 
That all thy ways are just, 

Although I faint with sore distress, 

And now draw near the dust. 

How soon my health and strength are fled, 
And life is nearly past! 

O smile upon my dying bed, 

And love me to the last. 


120 


HYMNS FOR 


O take this guilty soul of mine, 

That now will soon be gone, 

And wash it clean, and make it shine, 
With heavenly garments on. 


Be pleased to grant me easy death, 
If 't is thy holy will, 

And bid the struggles of my breath, 
And all my pains be still. 


Now, Lord, in heaven hear my prayer 
Accept my dying praise ; 

And let me quickly meet thee there, 

A better song to raise. 


INFANT MINDS. 


121 


PRAISE FOR DAILY MERCIES. 

Lord, I would own thy tender care, 
And all thy love to me 5 
The food I eat, the clothes 1 wear, 
Are all bestowed by thee. 

’T is thou preservest me from death 
And dangers every hour ; 

I can not draw another breath 
Unless thou give me power. 


122 


HYMNS FOR 


Kind angels guard me every night 
As round my bed they stay \ 
Nor am I absent from thy sight 
In darkness, or by day. 


My health, and friends, and parents dear, 
To me by God are given ; 

I have not any blessing here, 

But what is sent from heaven. 


Such goodness, Lord, and constant care, 
A child can ne’er repay; 

But may it be my daily prayer 
To love thee and obey. 


INFANT MINDS. 


123 


THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. 

Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour, 
Once became a child like me; 

O that in my whole behavior, 

He my pattern still might be. 

All my nature is unholy, 

Pride and passion reign within 5 
But the Lord was meek and lowly, 
And was never known to sin. 


124 


HYMNS FOR 


While 1 ’m often vainly trying 
Some new pleasure to possess, 
He was always self-denying, 
Patient in his worst distress. 


Lord, assist a feeble creature $ 

Guide me by thy word of truth 5 
Condescend to be my teacher 

Through my childhood and my youth. 


Often I shall be forgetful 

Of the lessons thou hast taught, 
Idle, passionate, and fretful, 

Or indulging foolish thought. 


INFANT MINDS. 

Then permit me not to harden 
In my sin, and be content $ 
But bestow a gracious pardon. 
And assist me to repent. 



125 


126 


HYMNS FOR 


SUMMER AND WINTER. 

When sweet summer flowers appear, 

We wish that they always would last; 
But winter must shortly be here, 

To sweep them away with his blast: 
Spring, summer, and autumn, still hasten 
away; 

The roses must fade, and the blossoms 
decay. 


INFANT MINDS. 


127 


Like winter, old age will be found; 

All stripped of our blossoms and fruit, 
We still may remain in the ground, 
Though nothing be left but the root; 
And withered and bare we must ever remain, 
For spring will not cover our branches 
again. 

Then let us, since time’s on the wing, 

And death and eternity near, 

Endeavor, while yet in our spring, 

To prepare for the end of the year; 
That we may not look back with remorse 
and dismay, 

To think how this season was wasted away. 


128 


HYMNS FOR 


And then when the summer is gone, 

Our youth and maturity past, 

Old age will come pleasantly on, 

And bring us to glory at last; 

Nor shall we reflect, with a sigh or a tear, 
On any gay season of happiness here. 

In heaven no winter they know, 

To wither their pleasures away j 
The plants that in Paradise grow 
Shall blossom but never decay ; 

Then for these fading pleasures no longer 
we 5 11 care, 

But hope we shall spend an eternity there. 


INFANT MINDS. 


129 


LOVE TO JESUS. 

When Jesus Christ was here below, 

And spread his works of love abroad, 

If I had lived so long ago, 

I think I should have loved the Lord. 

Jesus, who was so very kind, 

Who came to pardon sinful men, 

Who healed the sick, and cured the blind 5 
O, must I not have loved him then ? 

9 


S30 


HYMNS FOR 


But where is Jesus ? is he dead ? 

O no; he lives in heaven above: 
u And blest are they,” the Saviour said, 

“ Who, though they have not seen me, 
love.” 

He sees us from his throne on high, 

As well as when on earth he dwelt; 

And when to him poor children cry, 

He feels such love as then he felt. 

And if the Lord will grant me grace, 
Much I will love him, and adore $ 

But when in heaven I see his face, 

5 T will be my joy to love him more. 


INFANT MINDS. 


131 


GOD EVERYWHERE. 

God made the world; in every land 
His love and power abound $ 

All are protected by his hand, 

In all, his care is found. 

He sees and governs distant lands, 
And constant bounty pours, 

From wild Arabia’s burning sands 
To Lapland’s frozen shores. 


132 


HYMNS FOR 


In forest shades, and silent plains, 
Where feet have never trod, 
There in majestic power he reigns, 
An ever-present God. 


All the inhabitants of earth 
Who dwell beneath the sun, 

Of different nations, name, and birth, 
He knows them every one. 


Alike the rich and poor are known, 
The polished and the wild 5 
He sees the king upon the throne. 
And e\ery little child. 


INFANT MINDS. 


133 


While he regards the wise and fair, 
The noble and the brave, 

He listens to the beggar’s prayer, 
And the poor negro slave. 


He knows the worthy from the vile, 
And sends his mercy down$ 

None are too mean to share his smile, 
Or to provoke his frown. 


Great God, and since thy piercing eye 
My inmost heart can see, 

Teach me from every sin to fly, 

And turn that heart to thee. 


134 


HYMNS FOR 


“THOUGH HE WAS RICH, YET FOR 
OUR SAKES HE BECAME POOR.” 

Jesus was once despised and low, 

A stranger, and distressed; 

Without a home to which to go, 

A pillow where to rest: 

Now, on a high majestic seat, 

He reigns above the sky, 

And angels worship at his feet, 

Or at his bidding fly. 


INFANT MINDS. 


135 


Once lie was bound with prickly thorns. 

And scoffed at in his pain ; 

Now a bright crown his head adorns, 
And he is King again. 


But what a condescending King! 

Who, though he reigns so high, 

Is pleased when little children sing, 

And listens to their cry 3 

He sees them from his heavenly throne, 
He watches all their ways, 

And stoops to notice for his own 
The youngest child that prays. 


136 


HYMNS FOR 



FOR A CHILD THAT IS SORRY FOR A 
FAULT. 

Lord, I have dared to disobey 

My friends on earth, and thee in heaven 5 
O help me now to come and pray, 

For Jesus’ sake to be forgiven. 

1 can not say I did not know, 

For I’ve been taught thy holy will; 

And while my conscience told me so, 

And bade me stop, I did it still. 


INFANT MINDS. 


137 


But thou wast there to see my crime, 
And write it in thy judgment-book; 
O make me fear, another time, 

A sinful thought, or word, or look. 

Forgive me, Lord ; forgive, I pray, 
This naughty thing that I have done, 
And take my sinful heart away, 

And make me holy like thy Son. 





138 


HYMNS FOR 


INSTRUCTION FROM THE HEAVENS. 

Stars, that on your wondrous way, 
Travel through the evening sky, 

Is there nothing you can say 
To such a little child as I ? 

Tell me, for I long to know, 

Who has made you sparkle so ? 

Yes, methinks 1 hear you say, 
u Child of mortal race, attend, 


INFANT MINDS. 


139 


While we run our wondrous way *, 
Listen; we would be your friend $ 
Teaching you that name divine, 

By whose mighty word we shine. 


44 Child, as truly as we roll 

Through the dark and distant sky, 
You have an immortal soul, 

Born to live when we shall die; 
Suns and planets pass away; 

Spirits never can decay. 


44 When some thousand years at most, 
All their little time have spent, 


140 


HYMNS FOR 


One by one our sparkling host 
Shall forsake the firmament; 
We shall from our glory fall ; 
You must live beyond us all. 


u Yes 5 and God, who bade us roll, 
God, who hung us in the sky, 
Stoops to watch an infant’s soul 
With a condescending eye; 
And esteems it dearer far, 

More in value than a star! 


“ O then, while your breath is given, 
Pour it out in fervent prayer, 


INFANT MINDS. 


14J 


And beseech the God of heaven 
To receive your spirit there ; 
Like a living star to blaze 
Ever to your Saviour’s praise.” 



142 


HYMNS FOR 


CHILDREN ENCOURAGED TO SEEK 
THE LORD. 

Shall I presume to venture near 
A God so just and true ? 

Or, sinful as I am, appear 
Before his piercing view ? 

How oft I grieve his holy eye, 

And break his righteous law , 

And think some thought of vanity 
With every breath I draw! 


INFANT MINDS. 


143 


Yet, Lord, a sinful child may turn 
To wisdom’s pleasant ways 5 
For Jesus’ sake, thou wilt not spurn 
My feeble prayer and praise. 

He died, that sinners such as I 
May have their sins forgiven 5 
He died, that sinners, when they die, 
May live with him in heaven. 

It is for this I come to pray, 

And on his grace depend, 

That even at the judgment-day 
The Lord may be my friend. 



144 


HYMNS FOR 


UPON LIFE, 

Lord, what is life ? ’T is like a flower, 
That blossoms and is gone; 

We see it flourish for an hour, 

With all its beauty on ; 

But death comes, like a wintry day, 
And cuts the pretty flower away. 

Lord, what is life ? ’T is like the bow 
That glistens in the sky ; 


INFANT MINDS. 


Wc love to see its colors glow, 

But while we look they die. 

Life fails as soon : to-day ’tis here \ 
To-night, perhaps, ’twill disappear. 


Six thousand years have passed away 
Since life began at first; 

And millions once alive and gay, 

Are dead, and in the dust: 

For life in all its health and pride, 
Has death still waiting at its side. 


And yet, this short, uncertain space 

So foolishly we prize, 

10 


146 


HYMNS FOR 


That heaven, that lasting dwelling-place, 
Seems nothing in our eyes ! 

The worlds of sorrow and of bliss 
We disregard, compared with this! 

Lord, what is life ? If spent with thee, 
In duty, praise, and prayer, 

However long or short it be, 

We need but little care ; 

Because eternity will last, 

When life, and even death, are past 


INFANT MINDS. 


117 


UPON DEATH 

Where should I be, if God should say 
I must not live another day, 

And send to take away my breath ? 

What is eternity, and death ? 

My body is of little worth; 

5 T would soon be mingled with the earth: 
We all were formed of clay at first, 

And shall return again to dust. 


148 


HYMNS FOR 


But where rpy living soul would go, 

I do not, and I can not know; 

For none were e’er sent back to tell 
The joys of heaven, or pains of hell 


Yet heaven must be a world of bliss, 
Where God himself for ever is 5 
Where saints around his throne adore, 
And never sin nor suffer more. 


And hell’s a state of endless wo, 

Where unrepenting sinners go; 

Though none that seek the Saviour’s grace, 
Shall ever see that dreadful place. 


INFANT MINDS. 


149 


O let me, then, at once apply 
To Him who did for sinners die; 
And this shall be my great reward, 
To dwell for ever with the Lord. 









150 


HYMNS FOn 


AGAINST SELFISHNESS. 

Love and kindness we may measure 
By this simple rule alone: 

Do we mind our neighbor’s pleasure, 
Just as if it were our own ? 

Let us try to care for others, 

Nor suppose ourselves the best; 

We should all be friends and brothers, 
’T was the Saviour’s last request. 


INFANT MINDS. 


151 


His example we should borrow, 
Who forsook his throne above, 
And endured such pain and sorrow, 
Out of tenderness and love. 


When the poor are unbefriended, 
When we will not pity lend, 
Christ accounts himself offended, 
Who is every creature’s friend. 


Let us not be so ungrateful, 
Thus his goodness to reward ; 
Selfishness indeed is hateful 
In the followers of the Lord. 


152 


HYMNS FOR 


When a selfish thought would seize us ? 

And our resolution break, 

Let us then remember Jesus, 

And resist it for his sake. 



INFANT MINDS. 


153 


“IN THE MORNING IT FLOURISHETH, AND 
GROWETH UP ; IN THE EVENING IT IS CUT 
DOWN, AND WITHERETH.” 

The flowers of the field, 

That quickly fade away, 

May well to us instruction yield, 

Who die as soon as they. 

That pretty rosebud see, 

Decaying on the walk \ 

A storm came sweeping o’er the tree. 
And broke its feeble stalk. 


154 


HYMNS FOR 


Just like an early rose, 

I Ve seen an infant bloom; 

But death, perhaps, before it blows* 
Will lay it in the tomb. 


Then let us think on death, 

Though we are young and gay, 

For God, who gave our life and breath 
Can take them soon away. 


To God, who loves them all, 

Let children humbly cry ; 

And then, whenever Death may call, 
They’ll be prepared to die. 


INFANT MINDS. 


155 


HUMILITY. 

In a modest, humble mind, 

God himself will take delight; 
But the proud and haughty find 
They are hateful in his sight. 

Jesus Christ was meek and mild, 
And no angry thoughts allowed ; 
O, then, shall a little child 

Dare to be perverse and proud ? 


156 


HYMNS FOR 


This, indeed, should never be 5 
Lord, forbid it, we entreat 5 
Grant they all may learn of thee, 
That humility is sweet 

Make it shine in every part; 

Fill them with this heavenly grace; 
For a little infant’s heart 
Surely is its proper place. 



INFANT MINDS. 


157 


“SET YOUR AFFECTIONS ON THINGS 
ABOVE.” 

Why should our poor enjoyments here 
Be thought so pleasant and so dear, 

And tempt our hearts astray ? 

Our brightest joys are fading fast, 

The longest life will soon be past; 

And if we go to heaven at last, 

We need not wish to stay. 


158 


HYMNS FOR 


For when we come to dwell above, 

Where all is holiness and love, 

And endless pleasures flow, 

Our threescore years and ten will seem 
Just like a short and busy dream ; 

And O, how poor we then shall deem 
Our best pursuits below! 

Perhaps the happy saints in bliss 
Look down from their bright world to this, 
Where once they used to dwell, 

And wonder why we trifle so, 

And love these vanities below, 

And live as if we did not know 
There was a heaven and hell. 


INFANT MINDS. 


159 


FOR THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR, 

This year is just going away, 

The moments are finishing fast 5 
My heart, have you nothing to say, 
Concerning the time that is past ? 

Now, while in my. chamber alone, 

Where God will be pleasant to hear, 
I’ll try to remember and own 

The faults I’ve committed this year. 


160 


HYMNS FOR 


O Lord, I’m ashamed to confess. 

How often I’ve broken thy day : 
Perhaps I have thought of my dress, 

Or wasted the moments in play 5 
And when the good minister tried 
To make little children attend, 

I was thinking of something beside, 

Or wishing the sermon would end ! 

How often I rose from my bed, 

And did not remember my prayer; 

Or if a few words I have said, 

My thoughts had been going elsewhere 
Ill temper, and passion, and pride, 

Have grieved my dear parents and thee 


INFANT MINDS. 


161 


And seldom 1 5 ve heartily tried 
Obedient and gentle to be! 


But, Lord, thou already hast known 
Much more of my folly than I, 
There is rmt a fault I can own, 

Too little for God to descry; 

Yet hear me, and help me to feel 
How wicked and weak I must be $ 
And let me not try to conceal 

The largest or smallest from thee. 


This year is just going away, 

The moments are finishing fast 5 
11 


162 


HYMNS FOR 


Look down in thy mercy, I pray, 
And pardon the time that is past; 
And as soon as another begins, 

So help me to walk in thy fear, 
That I may not with follies and sins 
Disfigure and waste a new year. 



INFANT MINDS. 


163 


THE LILY OF THE VALLEY. 

Come, my love, and do not spurn 
From a little flower to learn: 

See the lily on the bed, 

Hanging down its modest head; 
While it scarcely can be seen, 
Folded in its leaf of green. 

Yet we love the lily well, 

For its sweet and pleasant smell; 


164 


HYMNS FOR 


And would rather call it ours, 
Than many other gayer flowers 
Pretty lilies seem to be 
Emblems of humility. 


Come, my love, and do not spurn 
From a little flower to learn, 
Let your temper be as sweet 
As the lily at your feet; 

Be as gentle, be as mild$ 

Be a modest, simple child. 


’T is not beauty that we prize, 
Like a summer flower it dies$ 


INFANT MINDS. 


165 


But humility will last, 

Fair and sweet, when beauty’s past $ 
And the Saviour from above 
Views an humble child with love. 




166 


HYMNS FOR 


“THEN THE LORD CALLED SAMUEL, AND 
SAMUEL SAID, SPEAK ; FOR THY SERVANT 
HEARETH.” 

• 

When little Samuel woke, 

And heard his Maker’s voice, 

At every word he spoke, 

How much did he rejoice. 

O blessed, happy child, to find 
The God of heaven so near and kind! 

If God would speak to m$, 

And say he was my friend, 


INFANT MINDS. 


167 


How happy I should be, 

O how would I attend ! 

The smallest sin I then should fear, 
If God Almighty were so near. 

And does he never speak ? 

O yes 5 for in his word 
He bids me come and seek 
The God that Samuel heard ; 

In almost every page I see, 

The God of Samuel calls to me. 


And I beneath his care 
May safely rest my head; 


168 


HYMNS FOR 


I know that God is there, 

To guard my humble bed ; 

And every sin I well may fear, 

Since God Almighty is so near. 

Like Samuel, let me say, 

Whene’er I read his word, 
w Speak, Lord; I would obey 
The voice that I have heard: 

And when I in thy house appear, 
Speak, for thy servant waits to hear.” 


INFANT MINDS. 


169 


ON LEARNING THE BIBLE. 

As Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, 

To learn her Maker’s will, 

We in the Saviour’s presence meet, 
And hear his doctrine still. 

Still he beholds the wandering look, 
Each foolish thought discerns ; 
And knows who idles at his book, 
And who in earnest learns. 


170 


HYMNS FOR 


O for that meek, attentive mind, 
Which happy Mary showed; 
And that instruction may we find, 
That was on her bestowed. 


Here we are taught the sacred word 
The Saviour first conveyed ; 

And here the doctrines we have heard 
Are plain and easy made. 


’Tis here we learn the glorious name 
Of God who reigns above; 

And while we read of sinners’ shame, 
Are taught the Saviour’s love. 


INFANT MINDS. 


171 


Lord, while we thank thee for the grace 
That sends this happy news, 

We still would sit in Mary’s place, 

Her better part to choose. 



172 


HYMNS FOR 


BROTHERLY LOVE. 

The God of heaven is pleased to see 
A little family agree ; 

And will not slight the praise they bring 
When loving children join to sing. 

For love and kindness please him more 
Than if we give him all our store; 

And children here who dwell in love, 
Are like his happy ones above. 


INFANT MINDS. 


173 


The gentle child, that tries to please$ 
That hates to quarrel, fret, and tease; 
And will not say an angry word $ 

That child is pleasing to the Lord. 

Great God, forgive whenever we 
Forget thy will, and disagree ; 

And grant that each of us may find 
The sweet delight of being kind. 



174 


HYMNS FOR 


THE CONDESCENSION OF GOD. 

God ! what a great and awful word! 

O who can speak his worth ? 

By saints in heaven he is adored, 

And feared by men on earth; 

And yet a little child may bend, 

And say, My Father, and my Friend 

The glorious sun that blazes high, 

The moon, more pale and dim, 


INFANT MINDS. 


175 


And all the stars that fill the sky, 
Are made and ruled by him ; 
And yet a child may ask his care, 
And call upon his name in prayer! 


And this large world of ours below, 

The waters and the land, 

With all the trees and flowers that grow, 
Were fashioned by his hand; 

Yes, and he forms our infant race. 

And even I may seek his grace ! 


Ten thousand angels sing his praise 
On high, to harps of gold 5 


176 


HYMNS FOR 


But holy angels dare not gaze, 

His brightness to behold; 

Yet a poor lowly infant may 
Lift up his voice to God, and pray. 


The saints in heaven before him fall, 
And round his throne appear, 
Adam, and Abraham, and all 

Who loved and served him here ; 
And I, a child on earth, may raise 
My feeble voice in humble praise. 


And all his faithful servants now, 
The wise, and good, and just, 


INFANT MINDS. 


177 


Before his sacred footstool bow, 

And own they are but dust $ 

But what can I presume to say ? 

Yet he will listen when I pray. 

O yes, when little children cry, 

He hearkens to their prayer; 

His throne of grace is always nigh, 

And I will venture there. 

I ’ll go, depending on his word, 

And seek his grace, through Christ the 
Lord. 


12 


178 


HYMNS FOR 


THE CHILD OF AFFLUENCE. 

How many poor indigent children I see, 

Who want ail the comforts bestowed upon 
me! 

But though I ? m preserved from such want 
and distress, 

1 5 m quite as unworthy of all I possess. 

While I am partaking a plentiful meal, 

How many the cravings of appetite feel! 

Poor children, as young and as helpless as I, 

Who yet have no money their wants to 
supply. 


INFANT MINDS. 


1 70 


If I were so destitute, friendless, and poor, 

How could I such hardship and suffering 
endure! 

Then let me be thankful, and humbly adore 

My God, who has graciously given me 
more. 

And since I with so many comforts am 
blest, 

May it be my delight to relieve the distrest; 

For God has declared, and his promise is 
sure, 

That blessed are they who consider the 
poor. 


180 


HYMNS FOR 


THE CHILD OF POVERTY. 

Lord, I am poor, yet hear my call 5 
Afford me daily bread 5 
Give me at least the crumbs that fall 
From tables richly spread. 

Thou canst for all my wants provide, 
And bless my homely crust; 

The ravens cry, and are supplied, 
And ought not I to trust ? 













































\ 



































INFANT MINDS. 


181 


Behold the lilies, how they grow, 
Though they can nothing do; 

And will not God, who clothes them so, 
Afford me raiment too ? 


But seeing, Lord, thou dost withhold 
The riches some possess, 

Grant me what better is than gold, 
Thy grace and righteousness. 


O may I heavenly treasures find, 
And choose the better part; 
Give me an humble, pious mind, 
A meek and lowly heart. 


182 


HYMNS FOR 


Forgive my sins, my follies cure, 

And grant the grace I need; 

And then, though I am mean and poor, 
I shall be rich indeed. 




INFANT MINDS. 


183 


PRAISE TO GOD. 

Almighty God, who dwellest high, 
Where mortals can not gaze, 

If thou wilt listen, I will try 
To sing a hymn of praise. 

Angels adore thee, and rejoice 
Such praise to thee belongs; 

But wilt thou hear my feeble voice, 
Amid their lofty songs ? 


184 


HYMNS FOR 


My thoughts are vain, my heart is hard, 
And poor the thanks I pay; 

O how unworthy thy regard, 

Is all that 1 can say. 


My feeble powers can never rise 
To praise thee as I ought $ 

For thou art great, and good, and wise, 
Beyond my highest thought. 

The happy souls who dwell on high, 
Can tell thy glories best; 

And may I enter, when I die, 

The mansions of the blest. 


INFANT MINDS. 


185 


There we shall better praises bring, 
And raise our voices higher $ 
Angels will teach us how to sing. 
And we shall never tire. 



186 


HYMNS FOR 


HEAVEN AND EARTH. 

Come, let us now forget our mirth, 
And think that we must die $ 
What are our best delights on earthy 
Compared with those on high ? 

A sad and sinful world is this, 
Although it seems so fair; 

But heaven is perfect joy and bliss, 
For God himself is there. 


INFANT MINDS. 


187 


Here all our pleasures soon are past, 
Our brighest joys decay ; 

But pleasures there for ever last, 
And can not fade away. 


Here, many a pain and bitter groan 
Our feeble bodies tear ; 

But pain and sickness are not known, 
And never shall be, there. 


Here sins and sorrows we deplore 
With many cares distressed; 

But there the mourners weep no more, 
And there the weary rest 


188 HYMNS FOR INFANT MINDS. 

Our dearest friends when death shall call. 
At once must hence depart; 

But there we hope to meet them all. 

And never, never part. 

Then let us love and serve the Lord 
With all our youthful powers, 

And we shall gain this great reward, 

This glory shall be ours. 


















































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